Rivers State Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas swears in 23 new LG chairmen, urging selfless leadership as grassroots democracy is restored.
Rivers State has entered a new political chapter as Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), the federally appointed Administrator, officially swore in 23 newly elected local government chairmen.
The event, which took place on Monday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was not merely a statutory exercise but a powerful symbol of democratic restoration after months of turbulence.
The atmosphere at the ceremony was charged with both relief and renewed hope.
For many Rivers residents, the occasion marked the long-awaited return to constitutional governance at the grassroots following the unprecedented political crisis that shook the state earlier this year.
Delivering his address, Vice Admiral Ibas left no ambiguity about his expectations for the incoming chairmen.
He reminded them that holding public office is a sacred trust and not a ticket for personal enrichment.
“This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed,” he declared solemnly.
“It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement, but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service.”
The Administrator’s charge underscored his determination to steer local government administration away from the culture of patronage politics and towards a system anchored on accountability, transparency, and measurable impact.
Ibas situated the swearing-in within the broader historical context of Rivers State’s recent troubles.
He recalled that on March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state after violent clashes, political rivalries, and administrative breakdowns led to near-total governance collapse at the local level.
According to him, those dark days nearly threatened the very fabric of democracy in Rivers, but the resilience of the people and decisive intervention from the federal government created the opportunity for recovery.
The local government elections held on August 30, 2025, therefore represented more than a routine democratic exercise.
For Ibas, it was a turning point—a moment where the people of Rivers State reclaimed their voice and reaffirmed their commitment to democracy.
He hailed the successful conduct of the polls as proof that despite challenges, the will of the people remains unshakable.
“You proved that democracy belongs to the people, that power must flow from the consent of the governed, and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry,” he said, drawing thunderous applause.
The Administrator also used the platform to commend the people of Rivers for their discipline and peaceful conduct during the elections.
He singled out the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for praise, describing its role as crucial in delivering an election that was transparent, credible, and devoid of rancour.
He noted that RSIEC’s success had restored confidence in the electoral process and provided a blueprint for future democratic exercises in the state.
For the newly sworn-in chairmen, the ceremony was both a victory and a solemn reminder of the weight of responsibility now placed on their shoulders.
Vice Admiral Ibas stressed that their leadership must reflect the aspirations of the people, especially in areas such as service delivery, infrastructure, and social welfare.